Company must pay back Indiana businesses

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A company has agreed to refund to nearly 1,200 Indiana businesses the money they paid for services that they erroneously believed were required by law.

The Indiana Secretary of State’s office said Wednesday that Corporate Record Services has agreed to pay $125 refunds to each of the businesses.

The agency says the company sent letters in January 2013 to Indiana businesses that many believed came from the secretary of state’s office, soliciting $125 annually for record keeping services. The letter cited state law regarding annual meetings requirements.

When the state found out about the letters, it warned businesses that they weren’t from the secretary of state’s office.

Under the agreement, any future mailings by the company must include a disclaimer indicating the letter is not a government document.